Vehicle crashes into Abuja gas outlet, triggering early-morning explosion

An explosion occurred in Kubwa, Abuja, on Sunday morning after a vehicle crashed into a gas retail outlet near Liberty Junction, according to reports cited by Daily Trust. The crash reportedly happened at about 6:15 a.m. The resulting fire spread quickly, prompting traders and residents to flee the area and leave belongings behind.

At least nine shops were affected, while the vehicle involved was completely burnt. Nearby homes, shelter stands and signposts were also reportedly damaged by the flames and the force of the explosion. Residents reportedly rescued the driver and a child from the vehicle.

Both were taken to hospital, although the supplied material does not state the extent of their injuries. A resident of Dantata Estate, about two kilometres from the scene, told Daily Trust that the explosion was loud enough to wake people and caused buildings to shake. The account reflected the impact felt beyond the immediate location.

Security operatives and firefighters went to the scene after the incident. The supplied reports do not give details of the cause of the crash, the condition of the gas outlet or whether any arrests were made. The incident adds to a series of fire-related emergencies reported in Abuja this year.

The source material says there have been about five notable outbreaks since January, including industrial accidents, market fires and petrol station explosions. Those incidents have destroyed property and injured residents, according to the report. No confirmed casualty figure was provided for Sunday’s explosion beyond the report that the driver and child were taken to hospital.